The 18th annual Lollypop Farm “Tails of Hope Telethon” drew crowds of animal lovers of all ages Saturday, March 1, at Eastview Mall in Victor. Broadcast live on local radio and TV stations from 3-9 p.m., guests shared stories of homeless and abused pets who found hope at Lollypop Farm.

According to Lollypop’s Director of Communication and Outreach, Adrienne P. McHargue, thousands of telethon viewers called in or donated online, pledging their support to help make a difference for homeless and abused pets in the region. The total money raised by Saturday evening was $264,185 — the most ever raised in 18 years of this fundraising event, McHargue said.

Guests visited dozens of display tables which featured giveaways, face-painting, raffles and demonstrations. Service dogs collected hugs and pats from children, and adoption-ready dogs waited to meet their new families.

McHargue said twenty pets are now in new loving homes — including Meatball, a one-year-old white Siamese-mix cat, and Pumba an eleven-year-old rat terrier dog — after being adopted on the day of the Tails of Hope Telethon.

“We are sincerely grateful to those who pledged their support during this year’s telethon,” said Alice Calabrese, Lollypop Farm president and CEO. Calabrese extended her thanks to the event’s sponsors, including 13WHAM, Rochester’s CW, Fickle 93.3, WARM 101.3, The Zone @ 94.1, Eastview Mall, Delta Sonic, Hill’s Science Diet, and Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore.

The telethon showcased the impact of Lollypop Farm programs and services, interviews with animal experts, testimonials from individual and corporate supporters, and deserving pets available for adoption. Funds raised during the event will help Lollypop Farm care for as many as 10,000 homeless animals this year.

Animal lovers who missed the Tails of Hope Telethon may still make a pledge online at www.lollypop.org/telethon2014 or by calling (585) 223-1330.